Update – VIIMCU investigation into the Saanich shooting incident

Island District, Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit

2022-06-30 18:13 PDT

The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) investigation continues to progress. We can confirm at this time that we are working with the BC Coroner’s Service in order to positively identify the two male suspects. Once that is complete our first priority to will be to speak to their next of kin and then we will be moving forward on determining more about them, which would include their backgrounds or histories and how that may relate to what took place.

Numerous witnesses have been interviewed, however we still have many more interviews to conduct. We also continue to canvass the neighbourhood and gather both physical and digital evidence from the scene and surrounding area. We would to thank the numerous individuals and businesses who have already met with and worked with investigators – with respect to information and videos.

A number of firearms have been recovered at the site. The fulsome assessment and analysis of the firearms used during the exchange with police is underway and we are mindful that while it is important to the VIIMCU investigation – it is also being looked at by the IIO for their concurrent investigation. Therefore, there is nothing further we can say with respect to the firearms. However, we can say multiple units or personnel that specialize in dealing with and identifying firearms are involved.

As the scene was being assessed yesterday a vehicle, we now believe is associated with the suspects, was found to have multiple improvised explosive devices in it. The RCMP Provincial Explosive Disposal Unit was called in to further assess the devices. EDU was able to assess them prior to being handled, safely transfer them to a container and then ultimately take them to another site where they were safely destroyed.

It is fair to describe what EDU dealt with has a highly volatile and dangerous situation. We are not in a position to provide additional specifics at this time. There is significant work underway to look further at those devices and providing specifics at this time could impact those efforts.

White 1992 Toyota Camry

With respect to the suspect vehicle – it is described as a white 1992 Toyota Camry – 4 doors with two black racing stripes over the hood and roof. We are asking anyone who may have any information about this vehicle or it’s movements in the week prior to Tuesday to please contact VIIMCU – you can reach us at 250-380-6211.

Released by:

Cpl. Alex Bérubé
District Advisory NCO (Media Relations)
Island District
2881 Nanaimo St, Victoria, BC V8T 4Z8
Office No.: 250-380-6110
Cell No.: 778-836-8153
Email: alex.berube@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: bc-cb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Follow Us:

Date modified: